Calvin R. "Barney" Barnstead Obituary (1927 - 2012)

Age 85, of Elmira, NY, passed away Saturday, August 25, 2012 after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family at home. He was born on April 6, 1927 in Elmira, a son of the late Calvin John and Ruth Lafferty Barnstead. Calvin is predeceased by his dear brother Wilfred Barnstead. Calvin is survived by his loving wife, and best friend, of 64 years Gertrude Yohey Barnstead; children, Sharon Barnstead Shaw, with Mike Bilyk, Elmira; Calvin Barnstead, Jr. and wife Brenda, Horseheads; John Barnstead, and wife Debby, Waverly; Tammy Barnstead Wilcox, and husband Mike, Elmira; 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, and 7 step great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Kathleen Lynch Barnstead, Rochester; along with 1 niece, 1 nephew, 1 great nephew and 4 great nieces. At age 17 Calvin enlisted in the U S Navy, serving his country as a gunner's mate during WWII aboard the USS Blue Ridge. He retired from Moore Business Forms after 39 years of service. Calvin then went on to work as an Elmira Crossing Guard by Riverside Elementary School for 17 years. Calvin took great pride in his garden growing vegetables, with Gertrude then canning them. In later years he enjoyed paint classes at the Elmira Senior Center. Family was most important to Calvin... always looking forward to family gatherings and the many family camping trips over the years. Friends are invited to Grace Episcopal Church, St. Michael's Chapel, 375 W. Church Street, Elmira, on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Requiem Mass will be held at the church on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 10:00 a.m., with The Reverend Father Donald W. Matthews, celebrant. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers those wishing may remember Calvin with a donation to either, Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 E. Corning Road, Corning NY 14830 or Grace Episcopal Church. Calvin's family extends its sincere appreciation to the nurses from Southern Tier Hospice who cared for him over the past few weeks.